Improvised explosive device detonated at Jackson County District Attorney's Office

Early Wednesday morning an explosive device was detonated outside the Jackson County District Attorney's Office in Medford.

According to information released by the FBI, at 4:38 a.m., on Nov. 13, witnesses reported hearing an explosion outside the offices of the Jackson County District Attorney. The preliminary investigation indicates that someone placed a propane tank next to the entrance of the building and attempted to detonate it.

"The explosive device was clearly intended to target a government facility, the DA's office, said Greg Fowler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

The tank only partially exploded, sending flames up the side of the building and inuring no one. Nonetheless, investigators are working to determine the nature of this incident and whether it is an act of terrorism. The investigation is currently being worked with the strong partnerships formed under the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) as well as other working relationships within the law enforcement community to investigate this crime.

An attack on such a visible symbol of government and justice demands our singular focus, said Fowler. Although no one was injured, this device posed a significant risk to the firefighters and police officers who responded to the incident. All of the investigators working this case are fully committed to finding the person or people responsible as quickly as possible."

A man in dark clothing was seen in the area, but it is not known whether he is connected to this event or not.

The FBI, ATF, and OSP have all sent specially-trained bomb technicians to the crime scene. The FBI has also deployed its Evidence Response Team from Portland to maintain and collect evidence from the scene.

In addition to the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office; and the Oregon State Police (OSP) are jointly investigating the use of an improvised explosive device at the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact law enforcement at: (503) 224-4181 or by e-mail at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..gov